The Draw: It had to be Barcelona

To be honest, I couldn't be happier. Yes, in the run-up, I'd hoped for the likes of Lyon or Bordeaux or CSKA, something "easier"...but after a bit of contemplation, I think I'd very much prefer Barca. Here's why.

First, if we are to get through to the semis, there is no other team out there that I'd rather us beat than Barca. What an incredible lift that would give us. Toe-to-toe with the likes of Iniesta, Xavi and Messi, and our boys come through.

Second, if we are to lose to any other team at this stage, there is no other team out there that I'd rather us lose to. Most worthy Champions they have been, and there would be no shame in going out with a fight.

Third, if we are to go out of the Champions League, might as well be now. You get no extra prizes for getting to the semis or finals, and it frees us up in the final crucial last games of the league.

So on to March 31st then. I can hardly wait. Yes, we have the disadvantage of playing our home game first, but at least we've got a home game v Wolves right before the return leg at the Nou Camp. We've had bigger nights in Europe, Barca in 2006 of course being the case in point. But this has got to be the biggest game that we will have hosted at the Emirates so for. Sure beats slogging it out with the likes of Benfica in the Europa League. We've haven't even got there, but I'm already might proud of our boys for giving themselves the opportunity.

Elsewhere, Man U's luck continues, and they should be happiest with the draw. Yes, Bayern might be tricky, and I surely hope so, but in the semis they've got the rub of the grain with either Lyon or Bordeaux. At some point, I wonder if UEFA will start looking at how the draw plays out. Yes, the wonders of the open draw will always throw up things like Arse v Barca in the quarters, and you'll get other teams sneaking in with relatively easier run-ins. You've gotta accept that, but I just wonder what kind of viewership figures you're going to be getting for the French domestic duel.

Now, for the first time in Arsewiping history, we have the privilege of having a Special Arsewiping Friend/Correspondent (or Special AFC) report direct from UEFA in Nyon, Switzerland. Our Special AFC caught up with David Miles, Arsenal Secretary, who offered us a few remarks, noting in particular, with reference to our last meeting in 2006, the fact that we've got a "great new team, with a great spirit". Yes, things have changed since 2006, with ole Thierry now on the other side, but Miles thought we'd be up for it. (But of course, Dear Sir!)

Miles suggested too that Thierry would get a nice little welcome to the Emirates, and I wouldn't begrudge him that. Finally, of course, he recognises that both teams play with a "similar attacking style" - which should no doubt throw up a fantastic game of football.

I say shame it had to be in the quarters, but que sera sera. I'd rather watch it over two legs than one, and have them over at the Emirates too.

The tie just brings up so many possible side stories. Of course, there's the whole "revenge" thing, but that doesn't really rattle my chain. Take Sol though. Sol - the man who scored our goal in Paris. Sol - the man who a year ago was probably closer to Barca through his Playstation. Now, the old man will have Lionel Messi - no doubt the world's greatest player right now - snapping at his old heels and fat thighs. All we need now is for Sol to suddenly become our own London version of Lucio.

There's of course the Thierry story too - and some in Barca will no doubt talk about about Cesc the Catalan returning to the Camp Nou. Well. As I said, let's just see what happens in the middle of the park on 31 March 2010. You may want him back, but not before he does the deed to you first. Then there are those who speak of a possible Inter-Barca replay should Barca get through. But screw that I say - what about the Wenger-Mourinho match up?

As is evident, there's too much to digest. Let's get tomorrow out of the way - and bring on Messi!